DETECTIVES hunting a shotgun gang who robbed a Rossendale post office are checking for any similarities with other armed robberies across the North West.

The three masked men are believed to have escaped with more than £20,000 in the terrifying raid on Flaxmoss Post Office, in Helmshore Road, Haslingden, on Tuesday at 10.30am.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Clive Tattum, who is heading the inquiry, today renewed an appeal for witnesses and information about the robbery.

He said: "The response from the local public has been good, but obviously the more people who contact the incident room with information the better." Detectives are also probing any possible links with other robberies in Lancashire and the North West.

ADCI Tattum said: " We have to consider it. There are no categoric links but we are keeping all options open."

The robbers brandishing a loaded shotgun smashed through a protective screen and threatened post office staff before escaping with the cash in a maroon Volkswagen Golf, later found abandoned at Albion Mill with the loaded gun inside.

ADCI Tattum said the staff were very shaken but were dealing with it very well and would be offered victim support counselling.

Anyone with information can contact the incident room at Rawtenstall police station on 01706 215242.

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